The latest new Play Touch Rugby League programme will start in Mirfield, West Yorkshire on January 20 after local resident Allison Simpson was inspired by Rugby League World Cup 2013 to become a licensee for the touch game.
Play Touch Rugby League is a new, fast-paced, minimal-contact version of the game launched by the RFL to take the sport to a much wider audience of men and women. The game delivers all the thrill, excitement and camaraderie of the traditional game without the high impact tackling. It has been piloted with huge success in the past two years and the RFL is now seeking licensed partners to deliver the programme at sports and leisure venues across the UK. Play Touch Rugby League is part of the RFL’s new community game strategy.
A key part of RLWC2013 was a programme of community engagement and participation, and Allison’s son Owen (11), who attends Lindley Junior School, was a member of the Lindley Junior School Choir which performed at the sold-out England v Ireland match at The John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield, before being invited to perform at the Rugby League World Cup final at Old Trafford.
“The interest created in our house from the Rugby League World Cup was unbelievable, from going to games to seeing my son on the pitch singing at the final,” said Allison. “When I saw the advertisement for Play Touch Rugby League, I had to enquire.
“I think Play Touch Rugby League will work in Mirfield because whilst it has a sporting tradition of Rugby League there isn’t a local community club and supporters have to travel out of the town to get involved.
“Having a Play Touch Rugby League competitive league on the doorstep, on a really good playing surface in a brand new sports centre, is an attractive proposition to many people.
“The branding and support from the Play Touch Rugby League staff has made signing up as a licensee a clear and simple process and the 12-month license is competitively priced – the school staff team is already in training!”
Allison’s first Play Touch Rugby League programme starts at 6pm on Monday 20thJanuary 2014 and booking is now open online at www.playtouchrugbyleague.co.uk
A Play Touch Rugby League programme can be delivered by anybody with enthusiasm for the game and access to suitable facilities. People interested in getting involved in playing or running a programme should either visit the website at www.playtouchrugbyleague.co.uk or contact Dan Parkinson, Play Touch Rugby League Manager, on 07595520180 or dan.parkinson@rfl.uk.com